CHAPIN – Lexington-Richland School District Five Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Jordan Nelson has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Leo’s Pride Foundation to fund a new sensory room at Lake Murray Elementary School (LMES).
“I just want to thank Leo and his family for this opportunity to have a fully funded sensory room at Lake Murray Elementary School,” Nelson said. “It’s going to mean so much to our kids and to our staff, and I am so grateful for the support that the Leo’s Pride Foundation has provided. I know that it will be an inclusive space for years to come!”
The Leo’s Pride Foundation began as a simple prayer page after Leo Bugenske was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. After receiving overwhelming community support, the foundation was officially established to promote inclusion by creating places where all children and adults can play together—regardless of ability.
“Leo’s Pride Foundation has two guiding principles in how we hope to impact our community: Build an Inclusive Community and Love Every One,” said Adam Bugenske, Leo’s father and co-founder of the foundation. “Jordan’s heart for her students and vision for creating a space that meets the unique needs of the exceptional students at LMES aligns perfectly. It is our honor to fully fund this project through a grant made possible by the love and financial contributions of this community.”
Nelson added that the sensory room will provide every student at LMES with a dedicated space to learn emotional regulation skills.
“Our sensory room will give kids a space where they can go to have their needs met and be regulated throughout the day to better access their education,” Nelson explained. “We will also be educating parents and teachers on what sensory regulation looks like and how we can use these tools at a school level to help kids get emotionally where they need to be.”
The Leo’s Pride Foundation funds grants for District Five special needs teachers and classrooms through proceeds from its annual Go Leo Halloween 5K.
To learn more or make a donation, visit www.leospride.org
Photo from Leo’s Pride FaceBook
